DHL Supply Chain has been awarded a 10-year contract to manage all aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul logistics for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon at Hong Kong International Airport.

According to DHL, it will take overall responsibility for the storage, warehousing and domestic transportation of 80,000 specific aviation part types, components and equipment used to maintain Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon’s combine fleet of 180 aircraft. DHL will also work with aircraft maintenance provider HAECO to provide additional services such as parts inspection and airside operations.

“DHL Supply Chain has invested heavily in building up its capabilities to service the aviation industry’s exacting safety and compliance needs,” said Yin Zou, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Greater China. “With Hong Kong taking the lead, we are looking at extending this capability in the Greater China region, particularly mainland China and Taiwan. This new contract is a significant addition to our aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul capability and contracts for DHL Supply Chain and will only encourage us to deepen our commitment to airlines looking to streamline and strengthen the logistics processes that keep their fleets and returns aloft.”

A team of 120 trained DHL specialists will operate around the clock to manage more than 90,000 square feet of warehousing space, transport delivery and reporting and governance procedures.

“Operational efficiency and quality are imperative to Cathay Pacific,” said Neil Glenn, director of engineering at Cathay Pacific. “Aircraft maintenance and repairs require constant precision and care, which is supported by the efficient storage, handling and on-demand provisioning of vast numbers of spare parts. As such, we are delighted to have engaged DHL Supply Chain as our logistics partner. DHL has an excellent reputation and is tasked to perform safe and efficient supply chain management and handling in extremely complex environments, which adheres to Cathay Pacific’s rigorous compliance requirements and operational standards. The arrangement that we now have in place allows all three parties to concentrate on their specific core capabilities, namely: airline management (Cathay Pacific), aircraft maintenance (HAECO) and now, DHL will be responsible for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) supply chain management.”

Operations commenced after approval from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department and almost four months of training, according to DHL.